Table of Contents

Defending champions India face a crucial Group 1 Super 8 clash against the West Indies on Sunday at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Also Read: India face West Indies in virtual quarter-final, England await in semis

India entered the Super 8 stage on the back of a flawless run, winning all four of their matches to top Group A, including a commanding 61-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. However, a heavy 76-run defeat to South Africa in their opening Super 8 fixture has turned this upcoming game into a virtual knockout. The Men in Blue must now win this do-or-die encounter to pave their path to the semi-finals on home soil.

The West Indies, known for their fearless approach and explosive power-hitting, also arrived at the Super 8s in stellar form after easily topping Group C. The two-time champions remain one of the most entertaining and dangerous teams in the shortest format of the game. With their aggressive batting lineup and athletic fielding, the Caribbean side will look to spoil India’s party and book their own ticket to the final four. Given the massive stakes, fans can expect a blockbuster showdown in front of a packed crowd.

India vs West Indies, Match Details

Date: March 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Key players to watch (India)

Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian captain, has been in fine form, having rescued his team with a brilliant unbeaten 84 against the USA during the group stage. His ability to hit the ball to all corners of the ground will be vital in the middle overs.

Ishan Kishan has returned to the global stage with a bang. The aggressive wicketkeeper-batter laid a solid foundation with a crucial 77 against Pakistan earlier in the tournament and will be tasked with providing a fast start at the top of the order.

Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s ultimate game-changer. His pinpoint yorkers and clever variations in the death overs can dismantle any batting attack, making him the team's biggest weapon under pressure.

Key players to watch (West Indies)

Shai Hope, the West Indies captain and wicketkeeper, brings much-needed stability to an otherwise explosive batting lineup. He will aim to anchor the innings while the power-hitters play their natural game around him.

Rovman Powell is a devastating finisher who has the ability to take the game away from the opposition in a matter of just a few overs. His late-order hitting will be a major threat to the Indian bowling attack.

Shamar Joseph brings raw pace and fiery aggression to the Caribbean bowling unit. He will be looking for early breakthroughs in the powerplay to put the Indian top-order on the back foot.

Predicted Playing XIs

India: Ishan Kishan (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

West Indies: Brandon King, Johnson Charles, Shai Hope (c & wk), Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd

Pitch Report

The pitch at Eden Gardens is traditionally a batter's paradise, offering excellent pace and bounce. The relatively quick outfield and shorter boundaries make it a high-scoring venue. However, spinners generally get some grip and turn as the pitch wears down, making the middle overs a fascinating battle.

Weather Forecast

Kolkata is expected to be warm and humid during the evening, with clear skies and no rain interruptions forecast. Because of the heavy humidity, dew is very likely to play a big role in the second innings, which gives the team chasing the target a significant advantage.

Live Streaming Details

The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network. Fans can also stream the game live on the JioHotstar app and website.